Caution: Check conditions of water before you head out; heed advisories

The National Weather Service issued a high-surf advisory that's in effect until 4 p.m. today, and we urge the public to take all precautions before venturing out into the water.

The island has had eight water-related deaths due to swimming, boating and other accidents in the past three weeks. Half of those deaths occurred within the span of a week.

In light of the recent deaths, we urge fishermen, boaters and swimmers to be cautious when going out into Guam's waters.

The island is currently in the dry, windy trade-wind season, which means waves are choppier and rougher than they would be later in the year, according to the National Weather Service. Lifeguards at Ypao Beach reported surf of 7 to 9 feet, with some waves as large as 10 feet.

The biggest lifesaver, according to local officials, is knowing what the waters look like before even going out. Everyone headed to the water, whether for boating or swimming or fishing, should check the local forecast, said Chip Guard, a warning coordination meteorologist.

Even if the skies are sunny, the water can pose a major risk to unsuspecting boaters and swimmers. Residents can get the forecast online at www.prh.noaa.gov/pr/guam or by calling 211.

Along with expected wind speeds and surf heights, residents can find out the risk of rip currents. Strong rip currents can often overpower swimmers who don't know how to react to them. Instead of swimming against them, anyone caught in a rip current should swim parallel to the current and slowly make way back to land.

Boaters also should heed advisories issued by forecasters. Both high-surf advisories and small-craft advisories can affect boating ventures.

In two of the water-related fatalities this month resulting from boat capsizings, the National Weather Service had earlier issued either a small-craft or high-surf advisory.

We urge the public to heed these warnings in an effort to better prevent further tragedies.